S.J. General noted for transplant work

Sunday

Oct 7, 2012 at 12:01 AM

The Record

FRENCH CAMP - San Joaquin General Hospital was awarded a Silver Medal of Honor from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its work to reduce the number of people waiting for an organ or tissue transplant.

Hospitals are encouraged to meet three national standards for organ and tissue donation. San Joaquin General was recognized for achieving or exceeding two of those standards. The California Transplant Donor Network that works with hospitals on organ and tissue donation in Northern California joined in the recognition for that effort.

About 10,000 people are waiting for organs in Northern California. In 2011, San Joaquin General referred 31 patients as possible donors. Eight became donors and 39 organs were recovered. Also, there were 10 tissue donors at the hospital in 2011.

Eight people potentially can be saved through a single organ donor, and that donor can improve the lives of more than 50 people through tissue donation. To register as a donor, visit ctdn.org.